Find the Right Error Code Guide for Your Spa

Before trying to fix anything, it’s important to know what control system your hot tub uses — error codes can vary between brands.

Look at the top or underside of your topside control panel or inside the spa cabinet near the main control box. You’ll usually see a label with one of the following brands:

  • Balboa – most common on many modern spas

  • Gecko – often found on Canadian and European models

  • Jacuzzi – common on some imported or newer systems

Once you’ve found the brand, look at the matching guide below for error code help:

Understanding Balboa Hot Tub Error Codes

Balboa Water Group stands as a prominent figure in the realm of hot tub control systems, with its standardized error codes being a hallmark across numerous spa brands. These codes serve as a diagnostic tool, alerting users to potential issues ranging from flow problems and sensor malfunctions to overheating and potential freezing conditions. By familiarizing oneself with these codes, spa owners can ensure a swift response to any hiccups, maintaining the longevity and optimal performance of their hot tubs.

Balboa Hot Tub Error Codes:

  1. FLO or FL: Flow problem due to possible causes like a dirty filter, closed valves, malfunctioning flow switch, or a faulty pump.

  2. OH or OHH: Overheating, which could be due to a faulty temperature sensor, malfunctioning pump, or blocked vents.

  3. DR: Dry condition indicating low water levels, a clogged filter, or air in the system.

  4. SN, SN1, SN2, or SN3: Sensor malfunction, which could be due to a malfunctioning sensor, poor connection, or fault in the control panel.

  5. HL or HFL: High limit or water flow problem.

  6. LF: Persistent low flow issues.

  7. PD or POWER: Power interruption.

  8. ICE or IC: Potential freezing conditions.

  9. COOL: Water is cooler than the set temperature.

  10. SLP or SLEEP: Sleep mode.

  11. SAFETY MODE: The spa is in a mode to protect against overheating during an error condition.

  12. —-: No message on the display, indicating a persistent watchdog error.

Gecko Hot Tub Control System Fault Codes

  1. FLO:

    • Meaning: Flow problem.

    • Possible Causes: Insufficient water flow through the heater due to a dirty filter, closed valves, malfunctioning flow switch, or a faulty pump.

  2. OH:

    • Meaning: Overheating.

    • Possible Causes: The spa has shut down due to high water temperature, possibly because of a faulty temperature sensor, malfunctioning pump, or blocked vents.

  3. HL:

    • Meaning: High limit.

    • Possible Causes: The water temperature has exceeded the safe limit.

  4. Prr or Pr:

    • Meaning: Priming mode.

    • Possible Causes: The spa is in priming mode, typically seen when the spa is first started.

  5. SnA or SnB:

    • Meaning: Sensor malfunction.

    • Possible Causes: Issues with sensor A or B, such as malfunctioning, poor connection, or a fault in the control panel.

  6. ICE:

    • Meaning: Potential freezing conditions.

    • Possible Causes: The control system has detected a potentially freezing condition to the unit.

  7. LOC:

    • Meaning: Control panel locked.

    • Possible Causes: Intentional lock set by the user or accidental button press.

  8. —:

    • Meaning: No message on the display.

    • Possible Causes: The system is not receiving any readings, and the spa is deactivated.

Please note that while these are common Gecko error codes, the exact meaning and troubleshooting steps might differ slightly depending on the specific Gecko control system model and the hot tub brand. Always refer to the specific user manual or contact the manufacturer for precise troubleshooting steps when encountering an error code.

Understanding Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Error Codes

Jacuzzi® hot tubs are renowned for their luxury and performance, but like all sophisticated systems, they come with their own set of diagnostic error codes. These codes help users identify potential issues, ensuring that the hot tub remains in optimal condition. Below is a list of common error codes you might encounter with a Jacuzzi® hot tub and their possible causes.

Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Error Codes:

  1. FL1 or FL2:

    • Meaning: Insufficient water flow.

    • Possible Causes: Dirty filter, closed valves, malfunctioning flow switch, or a faulty pump.

  2. OH:

    • Meaning: Overheating.

    • Possible Causes: The spa has shut down due to high water temperature, possibly because of a faulty temperature sensor, malfunctioning pump, or blocked vents.

  3. COL:

    • Meaning: Cold water temperature.

    • Possible Causes: The spa is functioning correctly, but the water is below the set temperature.

  4. ICE:

    • Meaning: Potential freezing conditions.

    • Possible Causes: The control system has detected a potentially freezing condition to the unit.

  5. SN1 or SN3:

    • Meaning: Sensor malfunction.

    • Possible Causes: Issues with the sensor, such as malfunctioning, poor connection, or a fault in the control panel.

  6. —-:

    • Meaning: No message on the display.

    • Possible Causes: The system is not receiving any readings, and the spa is deactivated.

For a complete and detailed list of error codes specific to your Jacuzzi® model, we recommend referring to the user manual or contacting the manufacturer directly.